Head of NJ business grant program defends its work

UNDATED (AP) — The official responsible for a post-Superstorm Sandy business grant program is defending the operation after criticism from an advocacy group and some business owners.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority President Tim Lizura says he would like to award money faster, but said many business owners are not submitting the records needed to make final determinations.

He also says some applicants for the grants of up to $50,000 are too big or small or don’t meet other federal requirements.

New Jersey Citizen Action and some business owners on Wednesday said the Stronger NJ program is not distributing funds quickly enough.